NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE MAKING AND ORDER

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] ]Based upon the petitions and comments, we propose to amend our amateur service rules to
eliminate the requirement that individuals pass a telegraphy examination in order to qualify for any
amateur radio operator license. We believe that this proposal, if adopted, would (1) encourage
individuals who are interested in communications technology, or who are able to contribute to the
advancement of the radio art, to become amateur radio operators; (2) eliminate a requirement that we
believe is now unnecessary and that may discourage amateur service licensees from advancing their
skills in the communications and technical phases of amateur radio; and (3) promote more efficient use
of the radio spectrum currently allocated to the amateur radio service. We solicit comments on our
tentative conclusions. We decline to propose any other changes to amateur radio service licensing or
operating privileges in this proceeding.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-05-143A1.pdf

[K8YS]

repent, for the end is near.

[KC9ECI]

Looks to me like the know code requirement is doomed, but there won't be any automatic upgrades. I may be wrong, but then I'm still sitting here reading through it.

[W5MJL]

There are no automatic upgrades, and there is no change in the currently easy testing.

[K0RGR]

Their comments seem to be fairly unequivocal - there will be 3, "not 2 or 4" license classes. Everything else is "not in the public interest". No new Novices. No grandfathering. But they dismissed all the pro-code arguments, going straight back to the position they took previously, that the only reason they kept it last time was the now-defunct International requirement.

Here comes the Brave New World. Those of you planning to sell your stations in a panic, please post your equipment lists here.

[K6UEY]

Well it looks like the FCC has decided to get the albatross of Amateur radio off it's back.

Time for the NCT's to start typing their petition to deregulate Amateur Radio and do away with the license requirement,so that more highly Technical people can join the service,those who were restricted by having to spell their name correctly on the application.

It is a SAD day at Black Rock!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

POST EDIT:
I would be interested in knowing just who on the Commission came up with this #### and Bull story that by dropping the 5 wpm code requirement it will attract the Technically Competent.
Is that the reason we Have NOT seen any Technically competent or even any who might want to learn. My guess is they are just not out there that's why no one has seen them.Our educational system does not support that level of education,and besides Sports is more fun than having to study and learn. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[W5MJL]

Yep, we need a poll to determine how long it will take before we hear "the tests are too difficult" on QRZ

[KC9ECI]

I'd be laughing if I thought you guys were joking.

[N5PVL]

Let's see... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

By eliminating the code, we can get more non-radio Internet junky types into the hobby, who can help us put all of our communications on the faster, more reliable Internet so we can deregulate and somebody at ARRL HQ can get a big kickback when they sell all of our spectrum off.

Does that just about cover it? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Charles Brabham, #N5PVL

Director: USPacket (http://www.uspacket.org)
Admin: HamBlog.Com (http://www.hamblog.com)
Webmaster: HamPoll.Com (http://www.hampoll.com)

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (N5PVL @ July 20 2005,18:04)]Let's see... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

By eliminating the code, we can get more non-radio Internet junky types into the hobby, who can help us put all of our communications on the faster, more reliable Internet so we can deregulate and somebody at ARRL HQ can get a big kickback when they sell all of our spectrum off.

Does that just about cover it? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Charles Brabham, #N5PVL

Director: USPacket (http://www.uspacket.org)
Admin: HamBlog.Com (http://www.hamblog.com)
Webmaster: HamPoll.Com (http://www.hampoll.com)
Right on the money, Charles. As usual, you've got it all figured out.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kf4lne]

This is a joke...right?

[W3MIV]

No code. No auto upgrades. No new entry class license.

In other words, no surprises....

[K0RGR]

Yep, that's right. I've been sending letters to all my coworkers, to see how many computer professionals will be lining up to take over the 20 meter band now. I'm expecting a deluge of email any minute...

I was surprised at the finality of their comments about the code test for Extra. That was rather cold. "Not in the public interest".

[K8YS]

Quote[/b] (kf4lne @ July 20 2005,17:07)]This is a joke...right?
no joke, just the beginning of a long night filled with nightmares.

[W5HTW]

What I fail to understand is why they did not opt for a one-class ham licensing system. Yes, I read their reasoning, but it doesn't wash. Now they will have to do this all over again in perhaps five more years, to turn to a minimal-test single license class.

This is, of course, just a Notice of PROPOSED Rule Making, but as we all know, NPRMs turn into rules. No amount of anti-proposal comments filed will change that. For that reason, this NPRM must be considered a done deal. The only question remaining is when will it go into effect? Most guesses I and others made earlier this year is that Morse testing would be dropped in 2005. It is now my guess that the effective date will be Dec 31, 2005, simply to keep it clean, calendar wise. However, it could be earlier. It almost certainly will not be later.

It does not prohibit Morse code. Clearly, though, other changes are going to have to take effect to accomodate the rapidly-upgrading Novices, Techs and Generals to Extra. (Or Novices and Techs to General) Additional voice bands are going to be an absolute requirement. That means addressing the ARRL's "Novice Refarming" proposal.

I still feel a one-class licensing structure is needed. After all, that is all CB had, and it is all we need.

Ed

[N0PU]

UEY:

You and I are, at times, at the opposite ends of political spectrum, but in this we agree...

This is a sad day for certain...

[KA8NCR]

I'm not quitting until they take away or allow SSB operation on 30 meters. After that, I'm done.

But until that day, it'll be a nice quiet secluded spot for amateur radio operations.

Harry, it's the end of our hobby as we know it. Oh well, I need more exercise anyway.

[KD6NIG]

As a NCT, I hope that even if this passes, that the bandplans we have now remain in effect. #There will be enough griping that the requirement is gone-I hope that they keep the segments designated "CW only" for those who wish to continue to use code. #I personally think the allocations as stated right now, and the bandplan, is perfectly fine and should remain the same. #CW operators should have a portion, as all other modes should. #It just makes things clearer and easier, and if someone is looking to operate a certian mode, they know where to go to do so. #I was dissapointed also that code was dropped from the General/Extra classes. #I felt that the Techician should be granted what a tech plus gets right now and nothing more, and not to change the code requirement. #It appears by reading this that the idea was tossed pretty readily. I didn't see a need for the Technican to get "EVERYTHING" immedietely like some people did. A "taste" of HF would have sufficed people to upgrade and learn code and the theory, I felt, and if not, then at least they have some access to the bands below 50MHZ.

Even with this development, I still plan on learning CW, as my instructional tools to do so arrived today via UPS. (Field day convinced me that I need to learn and upgrade as I enjoyed operating with a properly licenced control operator below 50MHZ) #With these changes, the allocations per licencee will remain the same, it appears, and even if the rules do change effective Dec 31, 2005, don't expect to hear me below 50mhz for a while-I don't have the cash to "upgrade" my station. #And then there is the fact that the XYL would have to approve said cash outlay. #I don't expect that to happen soon, although she is also studying for a Technician licence, her materials arrived with my CW instructional tools today.

I don't know if having one licence class would work, but that is an interesting idea I haven't heard before. #Would it mean a larger test covering the gamet of what is tested across the 3 classes now? #

Now to go install this CW learning program.....

edit-spelling, another thought

[WZ4I]

Affirmative Action Amateur Radio is on the horizon…………

[KC9ECI]

Joshua-
One of the neat things about CW...you can still homebrew a rig pretty darn cheaply. Go do a Google search on things like Tuna Tin, Pixie2, RockMite, Tiny Tornado, Glowbug Kit....

[N0PU]

Quote[/b] (ka8ncr @ July 20 2005,17:32)]I'm not quitting until they take away or allow SSB operation on 30 meters. After that, I'm done.

But until that day, it'll be a nice quiet secluded spot for amateur radio operations.

Harry, it's the end of our hobby as we know it. Oh well, I need more exercise anyway.
Nah... It's not the end of the service (hobby)...

It's just another hurdle we must jump over, another challenge to our ingenuity. I'm betting we can find ways to intigrate the no coders into the fold.... It'll take a lot of patience (which I am sorely short of) but it can be done... Maybe not responding to those who do not use proper radio communication technique will work... Maybe not, I don't know...

Is my Extra still worth what it once was, I'm not sure... and I know I have a lot more respect for thos who passed the 20wpm test than I do for my group ( I'm a low-coder 5wpm Extra)...

All I can do is educate myself, and be a responsibe citizen of the Amateur Radio Community... More than that I cannot do...

AE4FA and I tried to give the Commission options in our proposal (RM-10807) but we were denied....

The give-me-something-for-nothing crowd had a louder voice...

[AK7V]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ky5u]

For those who have not read it basically the code requirement goes, nothing else much changes. NCTs will have to pass the General written test to get on HF. There will still be three classes of license named as they are today. No automatic upgrades for Novice and Advanced.

Like many I will comment on the NPRM. But surely the fat lady is clearing her throat.

[AK7V]

Get ready for the soundcard-mode digital takeover of the CW segments. I don't think gentlemens' agreements will withstand the influx of gimme-gimme affirmitive-action amateurs.

[wb6bcn]

Quote[/b] (ka5fap @ July 20 2005,13:43)]Yep, we need a poll to determine how long it will take before we hear "the tests are too difficult" on QRZ
There are those that alerady bellyache about the current test. Some of the proposal contained statements to the effect that if the code requirement were eliminated the test be made more intense to compensate. If that becomes the case, wait for the complainers to come out.

[KD6NIG]

True, I haven't considered the "homebrew" aspect yet. And I do have some trees out here that I could use for dipoles.

Might be something to start looking into slowly.

I do need to read the proposal throughly and I skimmed it, to be honest. Looked like a pretty long document that will need a nice long study.

[N8CPA]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Affirmative Action Amateurs--that's what it sounds like, XA. At least, for the time being we won't have to worry about the AAA's in the CW subbands. May brass keep pounding on!

[n9vo]

Echolink's startin to look good!

[K2WH]

So what does this mean besides no code requirement. Do technician class licensees now have the go ahead to operate HF?

K2WH

[KA8NCR]

Quote[/b] (n9vo @ July 20 2005,16:19)]Echolink's startin to look good!
Shhhhhh! Keep it down or Charles will hear you.

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ July 20 2005,08:03)](1) encourage
individuals who are interested in communications technology, or who are able to contribute to the
advancement of the radio art, to become amateur radio operators;

(2) eliminate a requirement that we
believe is now unnecessary and that may discourage amateur service licensees from advancing their
skills in the communications and technical phases of amateur radio; and

(3) promote more efficient use
of the radio spectrum currently allocated to the amateur radio service. We solicit comments on our
tentative conclusions. We decline to propose any other changes to amateur radio service licensing or
operating privileges in this proceeding.[/quote]
(1) How can somebody contribute to the advancement of something when they are not willing to learn one simple element. The code is, in large part, the "radio art". "No code" would detract from this and bring the wouldbe and armchair operators out of the woodwork.

(2) It would seem by this statement that asking someone to learn a skill is discouraging "amateur service licensees from advancing their skills..." Seems to me that asking one to learn a new skill would be offering them the oppurtunity to advance their skills and rewarding them upon completion.

(3) Seems to me that CW is one of the more efficient modes of communication in many situations. I fail to see how eliminating an efficient mode would serve to "promote more efficient use of the radio spectrum..."

Just a few quick thoughts from somebody that allowed the code to keep me away from my ticket for far too long. There is a great sense of pride and accomplishment once you learn it and earn it. There is no sense of pride or accomplishment when it is handed to you.

[ke4pjw]

Quote[/b] (K2WH @ July 20 2005,10:20)]So what does this mean besides no code requirement. Do technician class licensees now have the go ahead to operate HF?

K2WH
The way I read it, Techs will get the privs just as if they passed element 1. So that would be Phone on a part of 10M and CW inside the Novice bands.

[K0RGR]

Quote[/b] (ke4pjw @ July 20 2005,16:39)]Quote[/b] (K2WH @ July 20 2005,10:20)]So what does this mean besides no code requirement. Do technician class licensees now have the go ahead to operate HF?

K2WH
The way I read it, Techs will get the privs just as if they passed element 1. So that would be Phone on a part of 10M and CW inside the Novice bands.
I don't know how you get that out of it - the wayI read it, they specifically said no to doing that, because if they subsequently grant the ARRL's proposal to redeploy the Novice Bands, which they have already agreed to do in another NPRM, they would grant the Techs all General CW priveleges, which would remove most incentive to upgrade according to them. So, no additional Tech priveleges without taking the General test.

[K6UEY]

Well it seems to me they will have to lower the standards on the written test. I'm convinced some of the highly talented Technical applicants who were other wise restricted by the 5 WPM code test will be further restricted by the difficult written test.
How else would these Highly Technically talented prospects get into Amateur Radio and push the state of the Art with out these unfair restrictive barriers being eliminated.

To be Politically Correct and give everyone and equal chance to be in Amateur radio, and advance the state of the ART of Radio Communications. I'm sure the next proposal will be to have as suggested, one class of license, which will not discriminate class among the Amateurs, to be issued at point of sale with the equipment. As suggested it will be called the A A A license. The Affirmative Action Amateur License. #All present licensee's will be upgraded to this single new class of Amateur radio license upon renewal of their present license.

Proposals to encorporate the Citizens Service into the Amateur Service as one singular class #are under consideration by the commission, #but have not at this time been acted upon.

[W3MIV]

Until this becomes a Report and Order, nothing has changed at all. That will take some time, several months at the least. However, as Charlie aptly noted, that fat lady is gargling.

There is, of course, still lots of time to upgrade the "old-fashioned" way and gain all the privleges one wants right away.

Otherwise, it is wait until the mills finally grind out a R&O.

All in all, it strikes me as a timely revision that follows what the rest of the world is doing. Change is never easy to accept, but accept it we must. I seriously doubt that anything in the comments is going to make any difference in the long run, else the NPRM would already accommodate the ideas that the usual bunch of us will post as comments.

Bottom line: Get over it.

[kj4y]

K6UEY FB OM

[W5MJL]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ July 20 2005,19:30)]Bottom line: Get over it.
I'm almost over it already. It will take a number of years before we turn into CB. I will still have some enjoyment left. From an amateur radio standpoint, I'm glad I am not in my 30's. You won't be able to recognize the hobby by the time you reach retirement.

Once standards are lowered they are never raised again.

[KF0RT]

Thanks for posting this, ECI.

Five years worth of petitions for rule changes, and it looks like the only one that will be accepted is the dropping of the code requirement. The NPRM pretty well outlines (and denies) all other proposals.

I guess we'll see what this does to the HF bands. I'm not for it, but the anti-code group would seem to have logic on their side. Most of this has been fought and re-fought right here on QRZ, so it should come as no surprise. Many here could have written this proposal.

The sweet irony of it all is that it will probably have no impact on the current CW bands. The NCG's and NCE's (I've seen those terms used before here) will likely congregate on SSB and the digital modes, leaving the CW ops to enjoy what they've always enjoyed. I can't see many opting to learn the code once it's no longer a licensing requirement. It's SUCH a biatch, afterall!

I read QST for the articles. Uh-huh. Good thing I don't think I'm paying for some high-priced lobbyists. Seems like the ARRL took a bath on this one.

The next thing to watch for, and it's been predicted already, is the reallocation of bandspace. The small beauty here is that this is still an international game, so things move slowly.

Obla-di, obla-da.

73, Rob

[KE7CWB]

Gee so will that make me one of the last "know-code" Generals when I take my general in a few weeks. I will reserve judgement until I see the after effects of this action. Hopefully it will bring more people into the amateur community. My suggestion would be to encourage good operating habits for the expected flood of no code HFers that we will see. Expect them to make some mistakes in the early going and help them to learn from those mistakes and become better operators.

[AK7V]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 20 2005,16:39)]....
Just a few quick thoughts from somebody that allowed the code to keep me away from my ticket for far too long. There is a great sense of pride and accomplishment once you learn it and earn it. There is no sense of pride or accomplishment when it is handed to you.
I completely agree with you - and I believe that unless one actually does work and earns something, they don't really know what pride and accomplishment feel like.

Others on this board have been lamenting the loss of the amateur radio "fraternity." Well, a lot of that fraternity probably arose from a certain amount of well-deserved pride and even, perhaps, elitism among hams. (I'm too young to know for sure) Nowadays, and especially in the future, we don't all share that bond - and never will again.

Even if the new ham we meet worked hard and learned - even if he's a crack CW op for the fun of it - we won't know that from the get-go. It'll be more likely that he's a gimme-gimme AAA. It's unfair to him and unfair to us. There's going to be a lot less "fraternity," and a lot of resentment between the OTs and the newbies. Sooner or later, disbanding the hobby/service will look even more attractive than it does now.

Boy, I sound pretty doom-and-gloom. I'll get over it. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KE7CWB]

I doubt you will be able to pick up on whos NC vs whos KC by just callsign. Plenty of 2x3 calls on HF already. A lot of the new NCs will be upgrading techs many of whom have been techs for awhile. Remember there are also Generals and Extras out there right now with very new callsigns

[KC9EOG]

It is easy to tell when a 2X3 call is pro code, if you work them on 30 meters. I hope this causes a whole new interest in cw as many hams run to the safety of the low portion of the bands where good operating habits will prevail.

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] ]I doubt you will be able to pick up on whos NC vs whos KC by just callsign. Plenty of 2x3 calls on HF already. A lot of the new NCs will be upgrading techs many of whom have been techs for awhile. Remember there are also Generals and Extras out there right now with very new callsigns

Just look in the FCC database at date their license was issued.... LOL!

[n9zxk]

I just wish the test we have to take wasnt so hard.... just messing around... I took it last summer and passed it. Only missed one....

The fat lady is putting down the mic

[KI4KLU]

Quote[/b] (KF0RT @ July 20 2005,17:47)]I can't see many opting to learn the code once it's no longer a licensing requirement. It's SUCH a biatch, afterall!
Right now I'm a NCT but I do plan to learn the code regardless if it's a requirement or not and upgrade to General. For me, when I hear Morse, I'd kind of like to know what is being said. I gotta say I feel somewhat cheated if the code requirement goes away before I get to take the tests. It sort of takes the challenge out of it and makes me wonder why I would bother.

Why is it I always seem to arrive at the party, just as it is ending?

[KC9BKA]

Quote[/b] (N5PVL @ July 20 2005,15:04)]Let's see... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

By eliminating the code, we can get more non-radio Internet junky types into the hobby, who can help us put all of our communications on the faster, more reliable Internet so we can deregulate and somebody at ARRL HQ can get a big kickback when they sell all of our spectrum off.

Does that just about cover it? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Charles Brabham, #N5PVL

Director: USPacket (http://www.uspacket.org)
Admin: HamBlog.Com (http://www.hamblog.com)
Webmaster: HamPoll.Com (http://www.hampoll.com)
You hit the nail on the head http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KA3RFE]

All this NPRM is setting forth is the elimination of Morse code testing. There's nothing about band plans, nothing about grandfathering anyone, nothing but the elimination of morse code testing. As the FCC says, International law no longer requires a morse code test, and they wish to stop testing for it.

No more Morse testing. That's the subject of the NPRM. Nothing else, just no more Morse testing.

If this upsets you, file a response. You will need to file an original response plus five copies to make it official. But I think they've already decided that this is what they will do and they already know what your response will be.

No one has yet said anything new or original regarding Morse code in the last five years. Since I already know what those are about, I am going to probably boycott all threads with the subject.

[k6bbc]

I get to keep my Advanced -- I'M HAPPY!!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KE7CWB]

The FCC took the simplest solution. The one that required the fewest changes to the system.

They simply dropped the Code requirement for General and Extra and left everything else alone. Im pretty sure this is what they had in mind from the beginning irregardless of the petitions.

[W5HTW]

Quote[/b] (KA3RFE @ July 20 2005,20:05)]All this NPRM is setting forth is the elimination of Morse code testing. There's nothing about band plans, nothing about grandfathering anyone, nothing but the elimination of morse code testing. As the FCC says, International law no longer requires a morse code test, and they wish to stop testing for it.

No more Morse testing. That's the subject of the NPRM. Nothing else, just no more Morse testing.

If this upsets you, file a response. You will need to file an original response plus five copies to make it official. But I think they've already decided that this is what they will do and they already know what your response will be.

No one has yet said anything new or original regarding Morse code in the last five years. Since I already know what those are about, I am going to probably boycott all threads with the subject.
They did address several issues, actually, if you read the entire proposal.

1. No, there will be NO grandfathering of any kind. No Novices or Techs will be automatically upgraded to General, and no Generals or Advanced will be automatically upgraded to Extra. That was stated definitively in the NPRM.

2. They will not restore 20 wpm (or any other speed) to the Extra Class license. No amateur license will be required to pass a Morse test.

3. There will be nothing that will remove the semblance of Incentive Licensing. The FCC states categorically they wish to retain the incentive for hams to better themselves and upgrade. Hence, no single class of license.

4. There will be no new entry level license, whether it is called Novice, or Communicator, or anything else. The three-tier program will remain.

All of those issues were definitely addressed in this NPRM.


Bandplans were not addressed. It is my guess the ARRL will have to rewrite their bandplan proposal, as it is not going to mesh easily with the R&O of the FCC, which I believe is as certain as death and taxes. The FCC does not backtrack. This NPRM is their opinion, and therefore it will become law. It's as simple as that.

The ARRL has had filed with the FCC a proposal for Novice band refarming. That proposal may get some attention, since it is just about certain more phone space is going to be needed. That actually makes sense, except to Novices and Tech Pluses, who currently have the Novice band privileges.

If any refarming is done, and the FCC says no automatic upgrades, Novices and Tech-P will have to be shifted down to that the upper end of their allocation does not interfere with expanded phone bands. (For example, on forty meters, their allocation will have to be 7050-7100, or cust to 7075-7100, which is more likely, considering the number of Novices and Tech Plugs active on CW.) This will be shared with digital services, and with FISTS frequencies, and others. Again, though, there are so few Novices and Tech-Ps on HF CW, I doubt anyone will notice.

Good logic suggests this NPRM will become a R&O by November 30, and will be made effective Dec 31, 2005. The FCC is not going to linger on this, as they want to get it behind them and return to cell phone business.

Ed

[WA5KRP]

Quote[/b] ]Based upon the petitions and comments, we propose to amend our amateur service rules to eliminate the requirement that individuals pass a telegraphy examination in order to qualify for any amateur radio operator license.


http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/03/18/pt_TYSON_LG_ent-lead__200x334.jpg


That's a buncha bullthit!

[n9zxk]

I wonder how the new upgrades will be treated on the hf bands....

[kc7flr]

Quote[/b] (n9zxk @ July 21 2005,01:04)]I wonder how the new upgrades will be treated on the hf bands....
Like amateur radio operators, I would imagine.

[w5lda]

Quote (n9zxk @ July 21 2005,01:04)
I wonder how the new upgrades will be treated on the hf bands....

By some responses on here ,it looks like they will be treated pretty rotten and will quickly learn who to avoid

[W0LC]

Quote[/b] (n9zxk @ July 21 2005,01:04)]I wonder how the new upgrades will be treated on the hf bands....
Who's gonna know? #
I am not keeping some listing of some sort. #I imagine ops will act as they will, regardless of license class. If you use stupid sounding or goofy/lame phonetics, many will avoid you, but then again, can you blame someone who doesn't want to QSO with someone that sounds like a stooge on the air? I think they are some that feel slighted either way with this issue.


Regarding the NPRM, I don't see this being a benefit to the hobby, but then again, I have yet to see the Feds do anything that is a benefit to the hobby these days. #Just look at BPL. Unless there is $$ in their pocket, they don't care much about how the hobby "progresses or digresses".

[N8CPA]

Exactly, W0LC! If they ruin HF for the majority of users, the number of users will drop. Fewer users =
fewer bothersome complaints about BPL QRM. And in current FCC policy, apparently, "public interest" = BPL.

[K9STH]

KRP:

Last warning:

Quit using profanity on QRZ.com. You did so in another thread and are doing so in this thread.

I do NOT want to hear any excuses in this thread, by E-Mail, message function, or any other means.

COOL IT else be banned.

Glen, K9STH
One of the QRZ.com moderators

[KC9ECI]

I can understand being passionate about the topic, but not to the point of being vulgar.

[kj3n]

Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ July 21 2005,16:53)]I can understand being passionate about the topic, but not to the point of being vulgar.
Oh, it's just getting started.......

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] (n3jja @ July 21 2005,20:04)]Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ July 21 2005,16:53)]I can understand being passionate about the topic, but not to the point of being vulgar.
Oh, it's just getting started.......
I fear that to be the case as well. Sadly, there are going to be those that take this argument to the air.

[K6UEY]

Well yes I am not surprised,but disappointed that the FCC has finally decide to take action to do away with Amateur Radio,but I look at the bright side,I will not have to degrade my license to Extra before it goes away.

As to how the NCT's will be treated on HF,they will be treated just like anyone else who violates the rules.
The FCC has declared in so many words that if they don't like the treatment they can upgrade and operate in another part of the band.

That's where I will be,protected from the pandemonium in the ADVANCED Class portion of the band. # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[W5MJL]

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ July 21 2005,21:40)]That's where I will be,protected from the pandemonium in the ADVANCED Class portion of the band. # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
Orv, I'm not so sure about that. It really all depends on what bandplan gets approved.

[KA8NCR]

After having a day to think this over, I've come to the conclusion that this change was inevitable. And I'm a diehard CW guy.

I also find it hard to believe that this is the end of amateur radio. The NCT were supposed to turn VHF and UHF into the higher frequency equivalent of CB. It didn't happen, albiet the technical qualifications of many of the operators has gone down. But then it can be argued that has been the case for decades.

This isn't an underhanded attempt at squelching amateur radio for BPL purposes. On the contrary, unleashing thousands of new operators onto HF seems a direct contradition to that goal. If you had just ran out and spent a kilobuck for a new HF transceiver and it didn't work because of BPL, I'd think that would be the _last_ thing I'd want if BPL were my agenda.

I don't know what the ultimate outcome will be, but I doubt that it is the end. It might be something good, but I'm afraid it'll just be more of the status quo. Not exactly bad, but not exactly good either.

[K9FLO]

Finally the FCC recognized CW as a mode of operation like SSB, FM and AM!!

[KA8NCR]

Quote[/b] (K9FLO @ July 21 2005,20:05)]Finally the FCC recognized CW as a mode of operation like SSB, FM and AM!!
Now if they only recognized that advancement of the radio art requires substantially more knowledge than just ohms law.

[KC9ECI]

Orv, stick to 30M, it's going to be the only place left.

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (ka8ncr @ July 21 2005,22:58)]After having a day to think this over, I've come to the conclusion that this change was inevitable. #And I'm a diehard CW guy.

I also find it hard to believe that this is the end of amateur radio. #The NCT were supposed to turn VHF and UHF into the higher frequency equivalent of CB. #It didn't happen, albiet the technical qualifications of many of the operators has gone down. #But then it can be argued that has been the case for decades.

This isn't an underhanded attempt at squelching amateur radio for BPL purposes. #On the contrary, unleashing thousands of new operators onto HF seems a direct contradition to that goal. #If you had just ran out and spent a kilobuck for a new HF transceiver and it didn't work because of BPL, I'd think that would be the _last_ thing I'd want if BPL were my agenda.

I don't know what the ultimate outcome will be, but I doubt that it is the end. #It might be something good, but I'm afraid it'll just be more of the status quo. #Not exactly bad, but not exactly good either.
Finally, a post that makes some sense without whining and proposing silly and childish scenarios. Thank you.

[G8ADD]

Over here we have been no code for some time. Do we sound like a bunch of CBers to you over there since the code was dropped? After all, I can only hear the locals on HF, and they sound about the same as always to me.

Storm in a teacup?

73

Brian G8ADD

[KA8NCR]

Quote[/b] (G8ADD @ July 22 2005,05:10)]Over here we have been no code for some time. Do we sound like a bunch of CBers to you over there since the code was dropped? After all, I can only hear the locals on HF, and they sound about the same as always to me.

Storm in a teacup?

73

Brian G8ADD
Y'all sound a lot like John Cleese over there.

[AC0H]

Quote[/b] ]Affirmative Action Amateur Radio is on the horizon…………
It's already here.
You may not be able to tie your shoes without written instruction, but by God your entitled to a Ham Radio license. NOW!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] (G8ADD @ July 22 2005,06:10)]Over here we have been no code for some time. Do we sound like a bunch of CBers to you over there since the code was dropped? After all, I can only hear the locals on HF, and they sound about the same as always to me.

Storm in a teacup?

73

Brian G8ADD
Brian-

I'll let you know after 10 August when I start identifying as EI/KC9ECI/P or M/KC9ECI/P.